What’s the perfect gauge for grouse & woodcock hunting? A lot of guys think it’s a 20, and even though I would disagree, I see their point. Most twenties are light, which makes them easy to carry all day long. And they carry enough lead to knock down anything that you’ll hunt in the uplands–even wild pheasants if you keep your shots close.
Also, 20 gauge ammo is easy to find. Every gun shop and gas station that stock shells usually has a few boxes of it on hand. I love my 16s, but if I were up in northern Maine and ran out of shells, I know I’d be out of luck.
If you’re a fan or 20 gauge doubles, here are two nice ones that just popped up on the market. This first one is by a maker I’ve never heard of before–Guerini-Pintossi. I think this Italian maker was around in the ’60s & ’70s, and this OU looks like a basic, no frills double with a shallow action a blitz/trigger-plate style design that reminds me of a Merkel 200-E. It’s definitely in nearly-new condition. I love the 28″ barrels and the double triggers. The gun’s weight is nice, too.
Guerini-Pintossi 820 Over and Under Shotgun in 20 Gauge: Price: $999.99
Manufacturer: Imported by Richland Arms, Made in Italy
Caliber: 20 Gauge
Chambers: 3 Inch
Metal Condition: Very Good with Nice Case Color Light Handling Marks
Wood Condition: Good with Light Handling Marks
Bore Condition: Shiny and Bright
Barrels: 28 inch
Triggers: Two Factory Triggers
Stock: Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Checkering
Stock Dimensions: 14″ LOP
Fore End: Walnut Forearm with Checkering
Butt Pad: Factory Plastic Butt Pad
Weight: 6.2 lbs
Chokes: Fixed Mod and Imp Mod
Twenty-gauge Sauers like this one are hard to find, especially with a straight grip, double triggers, and condition, In fact, this is the only one I’ve seen. I’m pretty sure it was made in the ’50s. It’s on an Anson & Deeley-style boxlock action, and it has condition, good barrels and lots of condition. It’s real light, too — just 5 3/4lbs.
J.P. Sauer 20g. – Pre WWII quality – 20 gauge with straight grip and ejectors:
You know we get a nice number of really exceptional little doubles through our shop but it brings me sincere pleasure when I get one in like this in a very affordable price range that has everything a person could want in a double gun. This little Sauer has condition, great dimensions, and the super pre-world war II craftsmanship one can expect from this great maker. Price: $2,200
Serial Number: 315276
Ejectors: Yes
Barrels: 26″
Barrel Type: Steel
Action: boxlock
Gauge: 20 gauge
Stock Comb: 1 7/16″
Stock Heel: 2 1/4″
Stock Cast: 1/16″
LOP: 14 5/8″
Weight: 5 lb. 12.5 oz.
Choke Left: .021 full
Choke Right: .010 IC
Proof: Nitro: 2 3/4″ NP
Minimum Wall Thickness Left: .034
Minimum Wall Thickness Right: .034
